ONTARIO REIGN PARTNER WITH LIGHTSPEED ACADEMY

Sep 18, 2018

ONTARIO, CA – The Ontario Reign, the Hope Reigns Foundation and the City of Ontario have announced a partnership to support the Ontario City Library’s Lightspeed Academy. The Reign have pledged a donation of $60,000, coinciding with the Reign hosting the 2020 AHL All-Star Classic, which was announced yesterday.

The Lightspeed Academy is the newest venture of the Ontario City Library, designed to bring innovation, creativity and economic opportunity to the Inland Empire. The two-year agreement will provide artists, designers, entrepreneurs and educators with access to state-of-the-art technology and resources to develop prototypes for new products, graphic designs and creative services.

The sponsorship will also help fund the purchase of 3D modeling equipment, a laser cutter 3D printer and other technology, as well as programs and services to support Lightspeed’s collaborate work space and learning environment. Through the sponsorship, several programs will be co-branded between the Reign and the Lightspeed Academy, designed for various different age groups.

“The AHL All-Star Classic has provided us with another opportunity to give back to our community and we are thrilled to be able to partner with the City of Ontario for this project,” Ontario Reign President Darren Abbott said. “Our donation of $60,000 will help to provide important, innovative opportunities for local students that have not been available in the past and strengthens our relationship with our community.”

Reactions From City of Ontario Mayor & City Council -

“Programs such as Lightspeed would not be possible without this kind of public-private partnership. We’re grateful to the Reign for their support in encouraging creative minds throughout the community to explore their interests and help establish Ontario as an innovation hub,” said Mayor Paul Leon.

“The Ontario Reign hockey team has been a tremendous community partner for the past decade, and we’re thrilled to have them join us in what we believe is a critical step forward in further promoting innovation and creativity in our City,” said Mayor pro Tem Alan D. Wapner.

Said City Councilmember Jim Bowman, “By providing free access to the latest design and creative technology, Lightspeed is opening the doors to opportunity that, for many, had not existed before. The Reign’s support is critical to keeping those doors open.

Said City Councilmember Debra Dorst-Porada, “We’re fortunate as a City to have this kind of generous support. Ontario is a community of creative thinkers and innovators, and through Lightspeed, we’re able to match them with the technology they need to bring their ideas to light.”

Said City Councilmember Ruben Valencia, “This is a perfect marriage of community assets – the City Library, a philanthropic business partner and our residents who, thanks to the Reign’s sponsorship, will now have the opportunity to creatively express themselves in ways that can benefit everyone.”

The Lightspeed makerspace is located within the Ovitt Family Community Library and can be used by individuals or small groups and to access a wide variety of technology. For more information, please visit: ontarioca.gov/lightspeed.

The Ontario Reign begin the 2018-19 season in October, their fourth season as members of the American Hockey League. Don't miss all the exciting action as the Reign celebrate eleven years of hockey in the Inland Empire! For Reign season tickets, along with information on other ticket plans, call 909.941.7825 or visit OntarioReign.com.